An increase in rain was observed across dry areas in northwestern Ethiopia and southeastern Sudan

1) Heavy and above-average rains since May have oversaturated the grounds of southern Mali and lead to rainfall surpluses greater than 200% of normal in some locations. With heavy rain forecast during the next outlook period, the risk for new flooding across the region will be increased.

One out of every three people residing in cities around the globe lived in a slum, and unless the problem was dealt with, another 400 million people would join their ranks by 2020, Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today, as it continued its consideration of sustainable development.

The Middle East, African issues, and an
open debate on children and armed conflict will constitute the focus of
the United Nations Security Council's work programme during July, Le Luong
Minh, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam and Council's President for
the month, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference in New
York today.

Briefing on the Council's programme
of work during his country's presidency, Mr.

Israel has responded to requests for aid
from several African countries over the past year

(Communicated by the Foreign
Ministry Spokesman's Ofice)

Israel today (Wednesday, 20 Sep.) sent
an emergency shipment of humanitarian aid to Cote d'Ivoire, in response
to an international appeal by its government for help following the recent
ecological and health disaster caused by the spillage of poisonous waste
in the lagoon surrounding the capital, Abidjan.